WOW! November Issue #34: All Web Writing
November 2009 
 WOW! Women On Writing
 Issue #34: Writing the Web - Blogging, Podcasting, Starting an E-zine, Contest Winners Announced!

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Greetings!



What is a writer's most essential tool? Besides our creative minds and our muse, most of us would say our computer and the Internet. Writers depend on the Web for research, resources, work, networking, and self-promotion. Some savvy writers use the Internet as their sole source of income--whether through freelance work, blogging, teaching, or website ownership. So how do we tap into this resource and utilize it to our advantage as a writer?

In the past, whenever we've published an article on blogging, for example, we've received enthusiastic feedback. Readers e-mailed us with questions about the topic or kudos. (We love them both!) While we've covered basic topics--such as setting up a blog, creating an online portfolio, or promoting yourself online--we've never gone in depth or explored other avenues of interest to writers on the Web. There are so many opportunities online that it would be tough to tackle them all, but we've pinpointed several topics of particular interest to writers and created a great issue for you.

How do you make a living as a blogger? What is podcasting and how do you create a podcast? What are the essential elements of a freelance writer or author website? How do you start your own e-zine? How can you make money with your website or blog? How do you track your blog's traffic and analyze its audience? If you've ever wondered the answers to any of these questions, you're in luck! Our experts in this issue have the answers you need and advice you can put to use right away.

Now, to those of you who are NaNoing at the moment, we haven't forgotten about you. We applaud you for taking the 50,000-word challenge this month during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)! A large part of participating in this event is feeling connected to your fellow NaNoers. That's the power of the Web and a perfect example of how it brings us all together in an online writing community. (If you don't know what NaNoWriMo is, that's okay. We covered it last year in a fabulous article written by Suzanne Pitner called NaNoWriMo Applied.) We'll be posting words of encouragement for NaNoers and sharing stories on our blog, The Muffin. If you'd like to share a story about your experience, please e-mail our blog editor Marcia Peterson at [email protected]. We'll also be chatting all things NaNoWriMo at our Facebook Fan Page and on Twitter. We know you have a lot on your plate right now, (or should I say "serving platter"?) but be sure to bookmark this issue because there's a lot of topics you'll want to explore once you come up for air. After you craft your first draft, you'll want to know more about how you can build an author website, blog about your book, or even podcast your experiences or chapters. This issue is just as much for you as it is for all writers.

Putting together this issue has been a blast! It's one of my favorite issues yet because it's like taking a course--a free course--on timely topics of interest to any writer on the Web.

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A big, warm, Thank You goes out to our freelancers & staff:

We welcome back freelancer Thursday Bram and thank her for her article on becoming a freelance blogger for hire. As a professional freelance writer and blogger, Thursday knows the ins and outs of making a living as a blogger. The flexibility of the platform has led to a growing number of women in blogging. In fact, mommy bloggers are thriving and making a living by writing from home! Here are some answers you'll find in this article: what's expected of you as a blogger for hire, what the going rates are, and the best place to find blogging jobs. Thursday also interviews other successful bloggers--Celine Roque and Meryl Evans--whom we also thank for sharing their secrets in this lucrative field.

We welcome freelancer Anne-Marie Nichols to the WOW! family and thank her for her two in-depth articles this month.

First, Anne-Marie shows you how to use Google Analytics to track your blog's traffic and audience. In this step-by-step article, we learn how to install Google Analytics and find out what all those statistics on the dashboard mean: total visits, page views, pages per visit, time on site, bounce rate, and percentage of new visitors per month. It may sound overwhelming, but Anne-Marie breaks it down in easy-to-understand language. She really walks you through the process. She also shares her own blog's traffic stats in screenshots (very kind of her!) and provides you with alternative analytic tools that are helpful for any website owner or blogger. If you have a website or blog, this is a must read.

Anne-Marie's second article reviews blogging gadgets that will help make your online life easier. She shares her must-have picks for netbooks, blog editing software, video cameras, video editing software, and online photo editing tools. She also shares her list of things to consider when purchasing a smartphone. Many of these products are the perfect holiday gift for your writer-friend or are ones to add to your holiday wish list, and some are free resources you can take advantage of right now. It can be tricky navigating the gadget-waters, since there are so many out there, but Anne-Marie has personally used these products, so find out what the benefits are!

We welcome back freelancer and former senior editor of WOW! Annette Fix and thank her for her informative article on what every author's website needs. This article provides a comprehensive checklist for both freelance writers and authors. Its layout makes it the perfect article to print out and check off as you complete the tasks. Annette is definitely a list queen, and her step-by-step formula will cut out all the guesswork when creating your writer or author website.

A big thank you goes to WOW! columnist LuAnn Schindler for her engaging article on podcasting entitled The Digital Affair: Podcasting Meets Printed and Spoken Words. I had an idea of the topics I wanted to see in this issue and a comprehensive article on podcasting was on my wish list. Soon after I put the call out, LuAnn came up with a fabulous idea, and I told her to go for it. Boy, did she deliver! LuAnn went above and beyond by interviewing experts in the field: Jodi Picoult, Mignon Fogarty (a.k.a. Grammar Girl), Steve Bennett (founder of AuthorBytes), and Stephanie Romanski (web editor and social media coordinator for Nebraska's newspaper, Independent). A big thank you goes to them as well for sharing their fantastic advice with WOW! readers.

If you have a website or blog, it can be time consuming and expensive to maintain. An important part of keeping your site healthy (and wealthy) is learning how to monetize it. A big thank you goes to WOW! columnist Marcia Peterson for putting together this month's round-up in our 20 Questions column. Instead of 20 questions, we asked one big one: How do you monetize your website? Twenty website owners from around the country wrote in to share their best tips on how to make money from your website. Find out what's worked for them and see if you can implement some of their ideas on your site.

We welcome freelancer Marcia Passos Duffy to the WOW! family and thank her for her article, How To Start Your Own Online Magazine. Marcia owns two successful online magazines and shares her step-by-step formula for starting your own! In this article, you'll learn how to: pick your topic, research popular keywords, pick a name and a domain, design a website, pick an e-mail newsletter service, add content to your site, and get the word out. This is a great article for anyone who dreams of being an editor and publisher. By following Marcia's easy to use advice, you can get started right away!

Keeping with our theme of "writing the Web," we bring you a wonderful interview with an inspirational woman and website owner this month. We welcome freelancer Shaunna Privratsky to the WOW! family and thank her for her interview with Kim Wilson, founder of WriteFromHome.com and PreemieParenting.com. Kim is a remarkable woman who does it all. She's not only the founder of two popular websites, she's also the author of an inspirational book for parents of premature babies, a life coach, a mom of two sons, and an army wife. In this interview, Kim shares some of the challenges she's faced and overcome and what keeps her reaching for all her dreams.

Speaking of dreams, we announce the Summer '09 Flash Fiction Contest winners! We'd like to thank literary agent Melissa Jeglinski, of The Knight Agency, for judging the summer season's contest. Thank you, Melissa, for your expedience and expert attention to detail. And congratulations goes to all those that had the courage to enter the contest as well.

As always, I'd like to thank contributing editors Margo L. Dill and Joanne Stacey for making this issue a joy to read!

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Holiday Ad Rate Super Special!



Want to reach WOW! Women On Writing's audience? Now is the best time to do it! For December 2009 only, we're offering a special rate for advertisers that can't be beat.

Banner Size: 120 x 240 pixels (.jpg or animated .gif with 3 rotations max), one link.

Price: $150 for issue-wide banner placement (approximately 16 pages), and placement in our e-mail newsletter (20,000+ subscribers). (Normally $450 for the site and $350 for the e-mail newsletter. Total savings of $650 in December 2009 only!)

Artwork: If you don't have a banner and need help with artwork, our talented graphic art department can create an original banner for you for an additional $25 (normally $100), making the total price $175. You can then use the banner for whatever you want--another site, etc.--it's yours to keep.

Banners will be placed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The earlier you reserve your spot, the higher up on the page it will be. Banners may be rotated. Until we complete the new WOW! 2.0 website, your banner ad will be archived indefinitely on the site, so you will continue to receive advertising even after the December issue has passed.

This promotion is perfect for:
- authors with a book they want to promote for the holidays
- publishers looking to promote their holiday titles
- service providers: editing services and book doctors (especially since it's right after NaNoWriMo), ghostwriters, copywriting/advertising firms, and graphic designers
- websites: any website, but it would be of particular interest to those that offer contests, subscriptions, markets, services, etc.
- products: any product - gift items, gift baskets, women's products, clothing, food, software, pet products, children's gift items/toys, any other product that wants to reach a woman audience for the holidays

To view WOW!'s regular rates for advertising at other times of the year, and to view our traffic and demographics, please download our media kit: http://wow-womenonwriting.com/adrates.php

Spaces are filling up fast! Contact us today to reserve your spot: [email protected]. Please put "Holiday Banner Ad Special" in your subject line.

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Fall 2009 Flash Fiction Contest

DEADLINE: November 30, 2009 Midnight, Pacific Time.

GUEST JUDGE: Literary Agent, Noah Lukeman

About Noah: Noah Lukeman is President of Lukeman Literary Management Ltd, which he founded in 1996. His clients include winners of the Pulitzer Prize, American Book Award, Pushcart Prize and O. Henry Award, finalists for the National Book Award, Edgar Award, and Pacific Rim prize, multiple New York Times bestsellers, national journalists, major celebrities, and faculty of universities ranging from Harvard to Stanford.

Mr. Lukeman is also an accomplished and bestselling author. His books for writers include: The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying out of the Rejection Pile (Simon & Schuster, 1999); The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life (St. Martins Press, 2002); A Dash of Style: The Art and Mastery of Punctuation (W.W. Norton, 2006 and Oxford University Press in the UK, 2007); How to Write a Great Query Letter (free e-book); How to Land (and Keep) a Literary Agent.

We're thrilled to have him as our honorable guest judge this season!

PROMPT: Open Prompt

WORD COUNT: 750 Max; 250 Min

LIMIT: 300 Entries

Don't wait until the last minute! Enter Today. Visit our Contest Page and download our terms & conditions ebook. Good luck!

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Call for Submissions

WOW! is seeking submissions for their upcoming themes:

January '10 Beginnings:
This issue focuses on beginning/starting something--we're open to ideas and interpretation.

February '10 Romance:
Love is in the air! We're looking for articles on the craft of romance writing. Please review our previous romance issues to see which topics we've covered already:
Romance issue March '09
Romance issue Feb '08

March '10 Young Adult Issue:
We're looking for articles on the craft of writing for a young adult audience. We're also looking for interviews with YA authors. Please review our previous children's writing issues to see which topics we've covered already:
Children's Issue Feb '09
Children's Issue Oct '07

Please review our submission guidelines on our Contact Page (scroll to the bottom) for pay rates and how to submit. We look forward to hearing from you!

To find out about first calls from WOW! please subscribe to our Premium-Green Writer's Markets. We share detailed descriptions of specific articles we need right now. Land one gig and it more than pays for a year's subscription! We currently have over 24 issues--ebooks filled with over 100 pages of markets--available for immediate download with the purchase of your subscription. Join the community that gives back! And write-on!

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On to the issue, enjoy!

 Summer '09 Flash Fiction Contest Winners Announced!
 Drum roll...

Summer '09 Flash Fiction Contest Winners Congratulations goes to everyone who entered the Summer 2009 Flash Fiction Contest. All of your entries were incredible this round, and our esteemed guest judge, literary agent Melissa Jeglinski, of The Knight Agency, did not have an easy job! But with her expertise, she dutifully picked the winners, and we thank Melissa!

It happened again! This season, the stories were phenomenal! All the winning stories you see on the contest page, including the Honorable Mentions, scored a "15," which is the highest possible score they can have. With so many 15s, it was hard to narrow down the entries to the Top 10. All the stories were superlative in subject, content, and style--it really came down to technical aspects and the guest judge's personal choice of which ones made it into the Top 10. Every story is a winner in its own right and has the potential to win a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Place. They were that good.

I know you've all been waiting patiently, so here's the results!

-- 1st Place Winner: Beth Blake

-- 2nd Place Winner: Noah Pedrini

-- 3rd Place Winner: Rebecca Gomez Farrell

Runners Up (in no particular order):

-- Elizabeth Barton
-- James Tipton
-- Amanda Pettit
-- Norma Bishop
-- Tricia Bowering
-- Lori Lyn Greenstone
-- Evelyn Addison Ray

Read the Top 10 winners' stories in our contest feature!

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):

-- Nancy S. Ervin
-- Christina Clapperton
-- Karoline Barrett
-- Jenni Webb-Reynolds
-- Cassandra Cridland
-- Bridgid Gallagher
-- Laurel Robertson
-- Ann Hoffman
-- Ann Mullen-Martin
-- Sue Pinto
-- Sandy Van Doren
-- Tania Fabo
-- Wendy Lombardi
-- Anna-Marie Barendt
-- Amy Nichols

Congrats ladies and gents! And congrats to everyone who hit the send button--we know it's not easy, but each season provides a rebirth of opportunity!

So, go on already! Read the entries!


MORE >> 


 Blogger For Hire
 By Thursday Bram

Thursday Bram Blogs represent an opportunity for writers: while it is difficult to create a blog of your own that will replace a full-time income, it is more than possible to support yourself by blogging. The secret is becoming a blogger for hire.

In her article, Thursday Bram reveals what's expected of you as a blogger for hire, what the going rates are, and the best places to find blogging jobs. She also consults expert bloggers Celine Roque and Meryl Evans who share industry advice and the secrets of their success!


MORE>> 


 Blog Analytics 101
 By Anne-Marie Nichols

Anne-Marie Nichols Why do you need to analyze your blog's statistics? There's the curiosity factor of wanting to know how many visitors your blog is attracting, of course. But what is more important is what the analytical data tells you about readers and how you can use it to improve your blog.

In this step-by-step article, expert blogger Anne-Marie Nichols shows you how to install Google Analytics and explains what all those statistics on the dashboard mean: visitors, map overlay, new vs. returning, bounce rate, page views, traffic sources, referring sites, content and keywords. By learning how to track your readership effectively, you can tailor your blog's content to your audience and keep readers on your site longer.


MORE>> 


 What Every Website Needs: A Checklist for Freelance Writers & Authors
 By Annette Fix

Annette Fix Online promotion has changed exponentially for authors and freelance writers. A good website will increase your visibility with readers, expand your online presence, establish your expertise, and create an interactive space for people who are interested in your writing and/or book. If you haven't set up your personal one-stop writing shop in cyberspace, it's time to do it now.

Annette Fix provides a comprehensive checklist for creating a freelance writer's website and a book website. This is a great article to print out and check off as you complete the tasks!


MORE>> 


 The Digital Affair: Podcasting Meets Printed & Spoken Words
 By LuAnn Schindler

LuAnn Schindler, Jodi Picoult, Mignon Fogarty on Oprah Writers, ranging from those on the New York Times bestsellers' list to first-time authors to journalists, are embracing the technological trend that co-exists with traditional publishing. In some instances, these podcasting writers are building a loyal following of readers and listeners that rival their print-only contemporaries.

WOW! columnist LuAnn Schindler interviews successful podcasters to find out their secrets: Mignon Fogarty (a.k.a. Grammar Girl), Steve Bennett (founder of AuthorBytes), Stephaie Romanski (web editor and social media coordinator for Nebraska's newspaper, Independent), and bestselling author Jodi Picoult.

Find out how to engage your audience, and be sure to read Stephanie's tips for crossing the podcasting threshold.


MORE>> 


 1 BIG Question, 20 Answers: How Do You Monetize Your Website?
 A Round-Up From Website Owners, Conducted By Marcia Peterson

How To Make Money From Your Website If you want to start earning income from your blog or website, you've come to the right place. We asked site owners around the country to share their best monetizing techniques, and they delivered some great tips on how to make money from your website or blog.

From affiliate marketing to selling e-books, mastering search engine optimization and so much more, you'll find a ton of ways to make money from your own site. Take a look at the advice, and choose the techniques that work best for you. Financial success is on the way!


MORE>> 


 How 2 Start Your Own Online Magazine
 By Marcia Passos Duffy

Marcia Passos Duffy Did you ever dream of being an editor or publisher? Marcia Passos Duffy did. She wanted to have all the fun and glory associated with laying out pages, picking photos, putting together an editorial calendar, and yes, even that cool task of fielding pitches from writers. But the idea of dropping $100,000 or more to start up a glossy magazine was not financially wise, or doable. Instead, she dipped her toes in the publishing waters by starting an online magazine, which became profitable within six months.

In this article, Marcia shows you how you can start your own e-zine too. Learn how to pick a topic you're passionate about and research it through Google Keywords, get a name and domain name, design a website, add content to your site and send e-mail newsletters to your subscribers.


MORE>> 


 A Graceful Juggling Act: Interview with Kim Wilson
 By Shaunna Privratsky

Kim Wilson, founder of WriteFromHome.com Kim Wilson is the founder of two popular websites: WriteFromHome.com and PreemieParenting.com. In addition, she's the author of an inspirational book for parents of premature babies, a full-time freelance writer, life coach, a mom of two sons, and wife to a civilian police officer/army reservist. Talk about a woman who does it all!

In this inspirational interview, Shaunna Privratsky chats with Kim about starting her websites, how she manages to balance life as a stay at home mom with freelance writing, and how she keeps reaching for her dreams.


MORE>> 


 Review: Gadgets For Bloggers
 By Anne-Marie Nichols

Must Have Gadgets With so many gadgets out there, it can be tough deciding which ones will fit your needs. And if you're a blogger, you know gadgets are an essential part of your career. But which gadgets are worth the purchase and where can you find some good freebies? Don't worry! Anne-Marie Nichols has answers. In this article, she shares her must-have picks for smartphones, netbooks, blog editing software, video cameras, video editing software, and online photo editing tools--just in time for the holidays!

MORE>> 


 Give Yourself the Ultimate Gift that Gives Back
 Jump Start Your Freelance Career

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Premium-Green isn't just market listings, it's a guide with community benefits. For only $4 a month, you get a 100+ Page Ebook delivered to your inbox every month, and you'll have access to a private community of women writers just like you!

We know that becoming a freelance writer takes more than just market listings. You'll need the opportunity to network with your peers and have a support system to help you reach your goals. And that's exactly what your Premium-Green Markets Subscription will do.


Here's what you get when you subscribe to PREMIUM GREEN:

  • Monthly 100+ page ebook in friendly PDF format: Easy to print, easy to save. No need for storing emails to find links and articles you missed!
  • Articles to grow your Freelance Career: These are articles not found anywhere else: More than Your Magic 8-Ball, I.T.T. In the Trenches, Tips & Tricks, Meet Your Mentor, Get Writing Mamas!, Project Workbook, and more...
  • Access to the PG Subscribers Group: Network with your peers through the Google list-serve, post discussions, ask questions, and receive insider tips.
  • Documents for PG Subscribers: Upload, download, and share content with the group. We put up f*r*e*e* articles, contracts, and ebooks for the group each month, so take advantage!
  • First Calls from WOW!: We give you immediate calls for what we need on the spot (or when we're in a crunch) to fill each issue. Get on the ground level and write for us!
  • Pink & Green: Find women's markets only, and get insight from the editors and what their needs are right now.
  • Markets, markets, and more markets. We provide markets for all aspects of freelancing. One example is, "Niche Quiche," which includes greeting card markets, slogans, and anything you can write in a few words and get paid! Check out our markets page for more details.

Earn the money you deserve, and get a real support team who will help you grow your freelance career.

Join Now and Download all 24 Premium-Green ebooks Instantly!

The subscription price is $48 a year, which is $4 per month. We want to support you! Let's make this a banner year for all women writers. We can only do it by helping each other and creating a strong network and community for ourselves. Together, we can do it!


VISIT OUR MARKETS PAGE >> 


 WOW! Women On Writing Workshops & Classes
 invest in yourself, write now

WOW! Classes Whether you are looking to boost your income or work on your craft, we know that education is an important part of a writer's career. That's why WOW! handpicks qualified instructors and targeted classes that women writers will benefit from. The instructors are women we've worked with on a professional level, and these ladies offer high quality courses on various topics.

How the courses work: All of the courses operate online--whether through email, website, chat room, or listserv, depending on the instructor's preferences--and are taught one-on-one with the instructor. The flexibility of the platform allows students to complete assignments on their own time and work at their own pace in the comfort of their own home. It's a wonderful experience and an excellent way to further develop your skills, or to try your hand at something completely new!


Featured e-Courses (By Date):


CREATING A CHARACTER SKETCH by Janie Sullivan

START DATE: December 7, 2009

DURATION: 15 Days

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Developing a character sketch for each character in the story is essential to the success of the story. The writer needs to know who the characters are, what they are thinking, and why they do the things they do in order to make them believable to the reader. This course will teach writers how to develop their characters so their readers will identify with them--whether or not they like them.

Limit: 10 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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CREATING REALISTIC DIEALOGUE by Janie Sullivan

START DATE: December 7, 2009

DURATION: 15 Days

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Getting the characters of a fiction story to talk to each other using realistic, believable dialogue will help the reader relate to them and to the story, making the story that much more real. Dialogue is not always easy to do, but it adds so much to the story that it does not make sense to leave it out. This course will give writers information and tips on creating realistic dialogue that will add to, not detract from, the story.

Limit: 10 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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CREATING A CHARACTER SKETCH & CREATING REALISTIC DIALOGUE Two courses at the same time! ($50 savings on combined courses) by Janie Sullivan

START DATE: December 7, 2009

DURATION: 15 Days

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Take both Janie's classes mentioned above (Creating a Character Sketch and Creating Realistic Dialogue) and receive a $50 discount from the total price of both courses. Super deal!

Limit: 10 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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GET PAID TO WRITE: BECOME A FREELANCE WRITER (Boot Camp Edition) by Nicole LaMarco

START DATE: January 5, 2010

DURATION: 4 Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Want to get started making money as a freelance writer? Jump right in with this four-week intensive boot camp edition of the original Get Paid to Write class. Start the new year off right!

This class is for beginning freelance writers or for those who are interested in becoming freelance writers. It includes all of the basics of freelance writing: overviews of the different fields in freelance writing, what is needed to begin, how to store ideas, where to get ideas, how much you should make, where to find clients, and how to get clients.

In this class, I am your writing mentor through every lesson and every assignment. Make some extra money with your writing or create your own full-time freelance career! Learn from my personal stories, information, resources, goals, activities, lessons, and assignments. This class will provide the you with the structure and guidance you need to Get Paid to Write. A certification will be given to those who pass the entire class.

Limit: 25 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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BECOME A GHOSTWRITER by Nicole LaMarco

START DATE: January 5, 2010

DURATION: 8 Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Ghostwriting is one of the most lucrative writing niches. Ghostwriters get paid to write books, e-books, articles, and more for their clients. This email course on becoming a ghostwriter will show you how you can make money ghostwriting. I've been a ghostwriter for 8 years and have ghostwritten over 10 books and thousands of articles for my clients. I will share my personal stories, information, resources, goals, activities, lessons, and assignments. This class will provide you with the structure and guidance you need to start making money as a ghostwriter.

Limit: 25 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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THE GATEKEEPERS: ALL ABOUT AGENTS AND EDITORS--Getting them, Working with them, and Growing as a Career Author, by Andrea Campbell

START DATE: January 11, 2010

DURATION: 4 weeks

The Course Objectives
In order to succeed in this industry, you, the writer, must know it intimately from all sides. If you were a clothing designer: you wouldn't start without creative talent, the right materials, and a pattern to guide you. If you opened up a retail business, you wouldn't expect to: sell your products without knowing how to produce or restock your merchandise; you wouldn't open your doors without having a business foundation or center from which to sell, and you wouldn't try operating without a market strategy or knowing the competition. So why would you expect writing to be any different? Yet thousands of would-be authors do. They buy into the philosophy that if I just pen a terrific book, then I will become successful.

Well, craft is surely something all writers should work at and a beautiful book can certainly open doors, but only those writers who know and understand the business will stay on to succeed. Now if you want to write as a hobby or don't care to try to earn a living at this work, then this course will just be a knowledge primer. But if you want to create and write for a living, then you must learn the principles for this hard-knock business.

By the end of this course you will:
  • Know how the publishing business works
  • Know what the key players do and how to find them
  • Know how to describe your product and its features
  • Be able to do a market survey and assessment, and apply those skills over and over to everything you do in the future
  • Prepare business documents that help to position you for a sale
  • Ride the wave of rejection with style and grace
  • Learn brainstorming by yourself and with others
  • See networking as a subtle tool
  • Make yourself a dream client/writer/author
  • Pave the way for your continuing career
VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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FOOD WRITING: THE BASICS by Mary MacRae Warren

START DATE: January 11, 2010

DURATION: 6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Through lectures, writing exercises, and instructor feedback we will cover the basics of food writing (in print and online formats). Students should complete the class with at least one work suitable for publication. We will explore food writing essentials including: food reporting and research, techniques for developing sources in the food world, resources for covering food news, and conventional forms of food writing.

Course objectives:

1. To complete at least one work that is publishable.
2. To encourage you to read published food writing to better understand the genre.
3. To develop your confidence and skills as a writer.
4. To develop a foundation for the skills of crafting, editing, and revising.

Limit: 25 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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A LL THE WORLD'S A STAGE: An Introduction to Playwriting by Christina Hamlett

START DATE: January 11, 2010

DURATION: 6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Since the time of the Ancient Greeks, the live theater experience has satisfied an audience's need for entertainment that is immediate, intimate and accessible to all ages and levels of society. Whether performed in an outdoor courtyard, on a vintage stage, in a school auditorium, or above the din of an urban coffeehouse, a play is an ever-evolving and timeless art form that derives its energy from both sides of the footlights. Unlike a novel or a film which is financed and produced only once, a theater script undergoes a new transformation with each change of cast and each change of venue. Even the passage of time itself impacts how a theatrical story will resonate with successive generations, giving new definition and perspective to old ideas or providing a yardstick of how far we've come from social mores that were once held as truth.

In this class, you'll be learning what makes a play successful...and how to write one yourself! Each module consists of a lecture and writing assignment, as well as interviews, websites and anecdotes. Ideally, it should only take one week to complete each exercise. The final assignment will be the writing and submission of an original 15-minute one-act play, which will be professionally critiqued for its adherence to all of the principles addressed in class.

Limit: 10 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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WRITING FOR CHILDREN: Everything You Need to Know About Short Stories, Articles, and Fillers by Margo L. Dill

START DATE: January 13, 2010

DURATION: 7 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will teach the basics of writing for children's magazines, crafting short stories, nonfiction articles, poetry, and fillers. The student will come away with a short story and cover letter, nonfiction query letter, and a filler or poem. She will also have a list of potential markets, fitting her manuscripts. The instructor will also share an organizational tool for submissions and information on finding other children's writers and networking.

Limit: 15 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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FINDING YOUR WRITER'S VOICE by Alison Dubois

START DATE: January 18, 2010

DURATION: 6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Before you start trying to write, you should find your voice and the way to perfect it. Perfecting your voice can mean the difference between selling your next article or story idea or that idea remaining in the editor's slush pile.

Let's face it. There are literally millions of writers out there but the ones we remember are the ones that stand out. They stand out because they have made an impression on us. And it is their voice that has impressed us.

Think about your favorite book or books. What is it about that book, that writer, you love so much? Now ask yourself, would you have gotten it if it had been written by someone else? Would you love it as much? Hold it as dear?

If you are being honest, the truth would probably be no. You can always find other writers but you cannot find another Jacqueline Susann, J.K. Rowling or Laurrel K. Hamilton. These writers have become icons because their voice etches an indelible marker in the blueprint of our memories.

Throughout the class I will be your guide, helping you through exercises and instruction to help unlock your unique writer's voice.

Limit: 10 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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ADVANCED WRITING FOR MAGAZINES by Linda DiProperzio

START DATE: February 1, 2010

DURATION: 8 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: If you've already taken an intro to magazine writing class--and have even had a few of your pieces published--this course can bring you to the next level. Not only do I share my real life experience as a freelance writer and editor with my students, but I also offer valuable feedback on all assignments and ideas. My previous students have been published in such national publications as Redbook, In Touch, Woman's World, Cooking Light, Prevention.com, Vibe, and Ladies' Home Journal.

Limit: 10-15 students

VISIT THE CLASSROOM PAGE FOR DETAILS>>

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I hope you are as excited about our classes as we are. WOW! Women On Writing ensures that our instructors will work with you one-on-one. In most cases you will receive emailed course materials and assignments, or for those with groups, you will be able to download course materials. Your instructor will give you assignments and personal feedback, and guide you through a charted course of learning. Our instructors are wonderful ladies who go above and beyond to help you achieve your writing goals.


MORE>> 


 WOW! BLOG: THE MUFFIN
 Find out the latest from the Bakers of WOW!

The Muffin Have you checked out what we've been baking for you on the daily Muffin? We've stirred together some traditional ingredients with new ones to deliver more interviews, enlightenment, thought provoking ideas, and inspirational messages to help you through those gray writing days.

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Never Stale! Here's the Latest:

Tuesdays are contest interview days!

If you are interested in writing for our contests, check out the interviews with previous Top 10 winners to find out how they crafted their stories.

Spring '09 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up: Nicole Waskie
Interview by Anne Greenawalt

Spring '09 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up: Diane Hoover
Interview by Marcia Peterson

Spring '09 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up: Madeline Mora-Summonte
Interview by Margo L. Dill

Spring '09 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up: Doris E. Wright
Interview by LuAnn Schindler

Spring '09 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up: Amy Perry
Interview by Jill Earl

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Blog Posts of Interest:

Claudine Wolk, Author of It Gets Easier...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, Launches Her Blog Tour!
Interview by Jodi Webb

It Gets Easier...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers is a fun, honest, easy-to-read book geared to making a new mom's life a little easier. It's upbeat and entertaining, just like our interview with author Claudine Wolk, who starts off her blog tour with WOW!. Writers won't want to miss this chat, where Claudine shares information on publishing, platforms, and plugging away.

Therese Walsh, Author of The Last Will of Moira Leahy, Launches Her Blog Tour!
Interview by Jodi Webb

We're thrilled to announce the launch of Therese Walsh's blog tour for her debut novel of psychological suspense. Her book is getting rave reviews, and she shares details about its creation (and re-creation!) in this terrific interview. Therese also offers advice to writers, including her favorite books on writing, and why you should remain wide open to criticism. There are a few more stops to go on this tour, check it out! Check the dates and join in.

Fiona Ingram, Author of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, Launches Her Blog Tour!
Interview by Jodi Webb

The first in her exciting children's adventure series, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab has been nominated as a Finalist in the Children's Fiction section of USA 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, as well as the USA National Best Books 2009 Awards. In our fascinating interview with author Fiona Ingram, she tells us how she defied the forces of doubt, reveals her road to publication, and shares advice for writers considering developing a book series. Don't miss it! There are a few more stops to go on this tour, check it out! Check the dates and join in.

Blank Pages
By Alison Diefenderfer

Blank pages and blank computer screens can bring out a multitude of different feelings. Aside of any negative situations, Alison says that a lot of the time a blank page is what we need. A new beginning of sorts. A place to tinker, a place to create, a place to find inner peace.

Children's Short Story Dos and Don'ts (Part 1)
By Margo L. Dill

Writing for children is more difficult than it seems. Luckily, Margo has a list of dos and don'ts to make the journey a little easier. Check it out!

Results of My Local Writing Mini-retreat
By Elizabeth King Humphrey

She didn't think she would accomplish anything, and that maybe she had just been looking for a day to duck out to the mall without her band of ever-present accomplices. But she sat on a sunny deck of her secret writing location and breathed in fresh air far from the charming screams of "MOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM," and wrote. And wrote. And wrote.

Take a Walk Towards Inspiration
By Carrie Hulce

Having writers' block? Need inspiration? Put on your walking shoes!

Keeping My Canadian Pride
By Chynna Laird

Chynna shares five great publications you may want to write for. Some will give non-Canadians a shot if you present your pitch in a way that would be interesting and beneficial to Canadian readers. Check it out!

Words We Love to Overuse
By LuAnn Schindler

Read through your writing, and you will undoubtedly find a word, several words, or even phrases you tend to repeat. It happens to the best of writers as often as it occurs with the novices. What does this mean for your readers?

The 2009 Muse Online Writers Conference
By Jill Earl

Jill shares her online conference experience, and explains why she goes back every year. Find out why it might be right for you, too.

What Makes a Story Scary?
By Angela Mackintosh

The popularity of horror novels and stories attest to the fact that most of us love a scary story. They get our blood pumping, our adrenaline rushing, and bring out our most primal instinct: fear. So, how do you make a story scary? Check out these great tips.

When Life Throws You a Writing Bone
By Carrie Hulce

Think about what got you started in writing. Was it a turn of events? A dream? An author that just took your breath away and helped you decide that you had a story? Carrie reflects on what led her to the craft of writing, and invites you to share what awakened your passion.

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Want to contribute to The Muffin?

Friday's are "Speak Out!" days. We allow posts from contributors for promotion. If you'd like to submit a post, please make sure that it's about women and writing.

Your post can be about: writing inspiration, balancing family life/parenting with writing, craft of writing fiction/nonfiction, how-tos, tips for author promotion/marketing/social media, book reviews, writing prompts, special opportunities (paying markets for writers), publishing industry news/gossip, and anything you think our readers will love.

Please make sure that there is take-away value to our readers. No press releases please. We're more interested in hearing from our core audience--personal essays and humorous anecdotes are encouraged as well, as long as they provide something useful to our audience--including a good laugh! ;)

How To Submit: Submit your 250 - 500 word post in the body of your email to our blog editor Marcia Peterson: [email protected]. Upon acceptance, we will ask for your bio, links, bio photo, and any other pics to illustrate the article. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Want to get blog posts via email?

Subscribe to The Muffin with Feedburner and get the latest delivered straight to your inbox.

Visit The Muffin >> 


In Closing:

We hope this issue will inspire you to explore all the opportunities available to you on the Web. The articles in this issue are jam-packed with great advice you can put to use right away. Some of the articles are like taking a free course on the subject!

I truly enjoyed putting this issue together because the freelance writers were all so fantastic. It was a bonus that their articles were all so SEO friendly. It made my job a lot easier! I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I did putting it together.

As always, if you have a question on any of the topics we explore in this issue, we'd be happy to answer them. We look forward to your comments and encourage you to keep writing, exploring, and pursuing your dreams.

Happy writing!